Abhishek Sharma produced a sensational batting display in the third T20I between New Zealand and India in Wellington on Tuesda, rewriting the record books with a breathtaking century. The left-handed opener reached the three-figure mark in just 35 deliveries while chasing a target of 199 runs, surpassing Virat Kohli to achieve a significant milestone in Indian T20 cricket.
After struggling to make a substantial impact in the opening two matches of the series, Abhishek returned to his explosive best at the top of the order. His remarkable innings, combined with an aggressive start from young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, put New Zealand’s bowling attack under tremendous pressure and brought India within touching distance of a series-clinching victory.
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi create history in powerplay
India made an extraordinary start to their run chase, with Abhishek and Suryavanshi attacking the New Zealand bowlers from the opening over. The opening pair showed little interest in settling down, taking advantage of the fielding restrictions to score boundaries at an astonishing rate.
India collected 118 runs during the first six overs, setting a new record for the highest Powerplay total among Full-Member nations in men’s T20 internationals. The opening over itself produced 26 runs, adding another record-breaking achievement to India’s incredible start.
Abhishek led the charge with an extraordinary combination of clean striking, powerful shots and excellent placement. His ability to find the boundary consistently left the New Zealand bowlers searching for answers as India’s required run rate became increasingly irrelevant. The explosive beginning ensured that India had complete control of the chase well before the halfway stage of the innings.
Abhishek surpasses Virat Kohli in special feat
The highlight of Abhishek’s innings was his 35-ball century, which further strengthened his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in the shortest format. He eventually departed for 113 off just 38 deliveries, having struck nine fours and 11 sixes. By that stage, India had raced to 178/2 at the halfway mark, requiring only 21 additional runs to complete the chase.
The century took Abhishek’s tally in all T20 cricket to 11, moving him past Kohli, who has recorded 10 hundreds in the format. The achievement is particularly remarkable considering the number of innings required by the two Indian stars.
Most T20 centuries among Indian batters
- 11: Abhishek Sharma (216 innings)
- 10: Virat Kohli (413 innings)
- 8: KL Rahul (240 innings)
- 8: Sanju Samson (344 innings)
- 8: Rohit Sharma (459 innings)
- 7: Shubman Gill (189 innings)
Only Chris Gayle, with 22 centuries, and Babar Azam, with 13, have scored more hundreds than Abhishek in overall T20 cricket.
Notably, Abhishek’s latest achievement also marked his fourth T20I century in just 70 appearances, placing him alongside the leading century-makers in the format. Only Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, with five T20I hundreds each, have registered more centuries.
